Variable cryosurgical probe planning system

Abstract

A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to computer guided cryosurgery and more particularly to a system that utilizes a computer program optimizing the generation of resultant ice produced for a specific patient.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Cryosurgery involving the use of a cryosurgical probe assemblies typically involves the use of cryoprobes that are each attached to a handle that are, in turn, connected to a high-pressure fluid line attached to a fluid source. Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate has generally required relatively small iceballs, i.e. 4 cm diameter by 6 cm length. For other applications, for example, renal applications, relatively larger iceballs are desired. Many other potential applications of cryosurgery may also require larger iceballs such as to ablate renal tumors, hepatic tumors, and pulmonary and thoracic tumors. Relatively large iceballs may also be required for palliative interventi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Due to variations of tumor size and shape, it has always been a great challenge for a cryosurgeon to precisely place multiple cryosurgical probes into desired locations of a tumor and control them so as to generate an optimum lethal iceball that is tailored to fit the tumor.

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